Hydraulic mat roller



Oct, 18, 1938. T. H. MARS ET Al.

HYDRAULIC MAT ROLLER Filed Feb. 23, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet l 1 w www FW; @N1

@NMME Oct, 18, 1938.

T. H. MARS ET AL HYDRAULIC MAT ROLLER Filed Feb. 23', 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 18, 1938. T. H. MARS ET AL, v 2,133,750

HYDRAULIC MAT ROLLER Filed Feb. 23, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 u u a -8 U N u "l, @i u w E vu /lu (u1 1: u u. m

I \uuuu o l c3 w Q gn su mm u1 en u m Il: .r u i 2 u u u 1R u Us P( u' N Ks I l rg) w fz; 'N uw QQ H WA ha l' um N su' M 1 @s u\uuu u u N a gu u r\ 'ff' N N w l u *fw w @o X1 u d u 0st. E938, T. H. MARS ET AL HYDRAULI C MAT ROLLER Filed Feb. 25, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 WMS Patented Oct. 18, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE l Creek, Mich.,

assignors to Duplex Printing Press Company, Battle Creek, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application February 23, 1937, Serial No. 127,306

Claims.

This invention is a novel improvement in machines for pressing pieces of iiong onto the printing surfaces of a type form to receive an intaglio impression therefrom, and preliminarily form a matrix from which stereotype plates 'can be subsequently cast. Such machines are ordinarily called in the trade mat rollers.

Objects of our invention are (1) to provide a novel mat roller machine in which all driving parts are inside the framing; (2) to provide a machine in which the bed can be reciprocated Without the employment of gears; (3) to provide a machine which is economical to manufacture and operates quietly and smoothly; (4) to provide a novel hydraulic operative means for reciprocating the bed; and (5) to provide a machine which is very Iconvenient to the operator and has no moving parts projecting outside of the frame whereby the operator or other persons beside the machine might be caught or injured. Other objects of the invention will be hereinafter disclosed.

In the accompanying drawings we have illustrated one practical embodiment of the invention, and will describe the same with reference thereto. We refer to the claims for the essentials of the invention and novel features 'of construction and novel combination of parts for which protection is desired.

In said drawings:-

Fig. 1 is an elevation of one side of the machine partly broken away to expose the valve for controlling the bed reciprocating means.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the axis of the machine.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section through the center of the machine.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail section.

Figs. 5 and 6 are sections through the valve showing same in different positions.

Fig. 7 is a detail section.

Fig. 8 is a section on the line 8 8, Fig. 9.

Fig. 9 is a section on the line 9 9, Fig. 8.

'I'he body of the machine is composed of opposite side frames I and 2, which are in general similar. These side frames at about their vertical central portions are extended as at I a and 2a in a direction parallel with the axis of the machine, on which the bed 4 (hereinafter referred to) travels, the length of the extended portions la, 2a of the frames being slightly greater than the length of the bed 4 plus the length of its travel. The side frames are narrowed as at Ib, 2b, above the bed 4, and said portions of the frames extend above the upper roll 6, hereinafter referred to, and are connected together by a top tie casting 3. The side frames are also yconnected by a bottom tie plate 3a.

The bed 4 is mounted to reciprocate horizontally between the side frames, and is supported at the pressure point upon the centrally disposed lower roll 5, disposed beneath the upper roll `6.

The bed 4, while being supported at the pressure point by the roll 5, is also supported by track bars 'l and 'la fastened to ledges Id, 2d `on the frames I and 2 (see Fig. l3) and extending beneath the sides of the bed except in way of the roll 5. As an additional guard against tipping the extensions la and 2a of the side frames are provided with anges I e and 2e (Fig. 4), which flanges project inwardly a short distance over the top of the bed 4 at each side when the bed is in either extreme of its movement. The undersides of the bed 4 are provided with bearing strips 4a: (Fig. 4) removably secured thereto by screws 4g, the strips 4x contacting with the track bars 1, la.

The side frame I (see Fig. 3) is provided with a housing I c for the bearing 5a of the adjacent .journal of roll 5; and other journal of roll 5 is mounted in a bearing 5b mounted on the side frame 2. As shown frame 2 is provided opposite the end of roll 5 with an opening 2:6 which is closed by a closely fitted plate 2c', removably secured to the frame by bolts 2s or other suitable devices. This plate 2c carries the bearing 5b in which the adjacent journal of roll 5 is mounted. The bearing V5b may be secured in an opening 2y in plate 2c (see Fig. 3) which is closed by a cover plate 2e. By removing plate 2e access can be had to the bearing 5b; and when plate 2c is removed the roll 5 can be removed from or replaced in the frame. The outer surfaces of the plates 2c and 2e `are preferably i'lush with the outer side of frame 2.

The top or presser roll 6 is journaled in bearings (ia (Fig. 3) which are supported in hangers 8 which are vertically adjustable in guide ways I f, 2f (Figs. 1 and 2), on the side frames. Each hanger 8 is provided with a threaded opening in its upper end engaged by an adjusting screw 8a, which has a. flanged upper end 8b by which it is suspended on rotatable bearings 8c mounted in recesses in the under side of the top portion of tie bar 3 (see Fig. 3) and secured therein by retainer plates 8e. The screws 8a are reduced in diameter as at 8f to receive the Lanti-friction bearing 8c which transmit the upward thrust from the roll B (when rolling a mat) through the races of the bearings 6a to the seat for the upper races of the bearings 8c in the top tie 3.

The screws 8a are provided with worm gears 8d which mesh with forms- 9d on a transverse shaft 9 journaled at its ends in bearings 9c in the ends of the tie 3 (see Fig. 2). To raise or lower the roll 6 shaft 9 is rotated, and through worms 9d and gears 8d the screws 8a are rotated. As shown the shaft 9 carries a worm gear 9a which meshes with a worm Illa on a shaft ||l which extends below the shaft 9 and at right angles thereto. The shaft I extends outside of the frame and may be provided with handles Ic (see Figs. 1 and 2). By manually revolving knobs IIlc motion is transmitted through the shaft 9 to rotate the screws 8a; and thus the top roll E can be raised or lowered to obtain the desired adjustment between said roll 6 and bed 4.

Cylinder has gears 5d on each end which mesh with racks 4d on the underside of the bed adjacent the track bars 1, la, so that the bed will travel at uniform speed with the periphery of roll 5. On the shaft of roll 5, adjacent the side frame 2, is a gear 5e which meshes with a gear 6e on the adjacent end of the shaft of roll 6 so as to synchronize the speed of movement of bed 4 with the peripheral speed of the rolls.

The bed 4 is formed with one or more cylindric bores 4a which constitute hydraulic cylinders by means of which the bed is reciprocated as hereinafter described, and for purpose of lightness the bed 4 may be provided with longitudinal holes 4h to reduce its weight without appreciably affecting its resistance to pressure. In some cases only one cylinder 4a might be used in the bed 4, but we prefer to use two so as to keep the pressure on the bed more uniform than would be the case if only one cylinder were used. Each of the two cylinders 4a are similarly connected to the inlet and the discharge pipes, but one control valve and one control rod, hereinafter described, are used to oper ate both cylinders.

In each cylinder 4a in the bed 4 is a piston I4b which divides the cylinder into right and left chambers 4r and 41 (Fig. 2). To the piston |4b are connected the inner ends of axially alined tubes I4 and I4a, the outer ends of which are fastened to end bars II which connect the outer ends Ia, 2a of the side frames I and 2. The tubes I4, I4a are preferably attached to end bars by means of universal couplings IIa or by other suitable means. The ends of the cylinders 4a are closed by heads 4b which may be provided with stufling boxes 4c making a close sliding t with the tubes I4 and I4a. Oil or other suitable huid may be alternately pumped into the cylinder chambers 4r, 41, at opposite sides of piston |4a. For convenience the oil may be admitted into the chamber 41 through tube I4a, which has an opening I4c adjacent the piston |412; and simultaneously uid can be exhausted from the chamber 4r through the tube I4 which has an opening 4d adjacent the piston |4b.

The outer ends of the tubes I4a may be connected to a common header pipe |5a; and tubes I4 may be similarly connected to a header pipe I5. The pipes I5 and |5a are connected with a iluid supply and exhaust valve I1 whereby when fluid is admitted to one chamber of the cylinders the other chamber can be simultaneously discharged of fluid. The control valve I1 can be placed at any convenient location between the side frames. Preferably Same is located inside of the frame I as shown in. Figs-l 1 and 3 A11 the fluid, whether forced into or out of the chambers 41- or 41, passes through the control valve by means of its inlet and exhaust ports, the action of the control valve being very similar to the action of a slide valve in a steam engine. A pump 2| operated by a motor 22 is provided for forcing the uid into either chamber 41', 41 through valve II, and when it is forced through one chamber it is discharged from the other, preferably into a supply tank 20, the fluid being subsequently withdrawn from tank and forced into the other chamber by pump 2|. A relief valve 22x may be provided (see Fig. 1) to relieve pressure in pipe Ilg when the valve I'I is thrown into neutral position, thus allowing the pump and motor to continue running without danger to the mechanism, the iluid by-passing through pipe 22a to the tank 20.

,In the construction shown (Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 6) the header pipes I5 and |511'l are respectively connected to ports I'Ia and I'lb of control valve I1, which also has ports I1c and IId connected by pipe I'Ie to tank 20; and also an intermediate port IIf connected by a pipe I'Ig to the outlet of pump 2|, the inlet of which pump is connected by a pipe 2|a to the tank 20. The valve II is provided with a spool piston I'Ih which when in one extreme position (see Fig. 5) will close the port I'Ic and open the ports I'Ia and I'Ib, |`|d and Ilf. In this position, pump 2| will draw fluid from tank 20 through pipe 2| a and pass same through pipe IIg to the valve port IIf, the fluid passing through the piston I'Ih and through header pipe |5a into the chamber 41, and consequently the bed 4 will be moved to the left (Fig. 2); at the same time fluid will escape from the chamber 4r passing through header I5 and through the connected ports I'Ib and IId and through pipe I`|e to tank 20. Similarly if the valve piston IIh is moved into the other extreme position (Fig. 6) the port I'Id is closed, and the ports I'|f-|'|b, also ports I'Ia-I'Ic are respectively in communication through and around the end of the valve and fluid under pressure admitted to pipe I4 and to chamber 4r, whereby the bed 5 is moved to the right (Fig. 2) while the fluid from chamber 41 is discharged through ports I'Ia, |1c and pipe IIe to the tank. When Valve piston IIh is in neutral position, as shown in Fig. 1, the ends of the valve close ports IIa and |1b and no fluid can enter either chamber 41' or 41, while both chambers communicate through ports I'Ia-I'Ic and I'Ib-IId respectively with pipe I'Ie leading to the tank 20, and the bed 4 will remain motionless until the valve piston IIh is again thrown into position shown in Fig. 5 or 6. Thus when fluid is admitted to either set of chambers 4r or 41 the bed 4 is moved under fluid pressure, same being moved to the left if fluid is admitted at the left side of the piston |4b; and to the right if fluid is ad mitted at the right side of the piston I 4b.

The valve piston I'Ih has a stem I'Ii connected to one end of a lever 23 which is pivoted at 23a on the adjacent side frame I, and the other end of this lever is engaged with a pin 24a on an axially movable control rod 24 which extends horizontally beside the adjacent side frame (Figs. 1 and 3). As shown the ends of the rod 24 are loosely engaged with rocker arms 24h (Fig. '7) attached to manually operable levers 25 pivoted in the outer ends Ia of the side frame by which the rod 24 can be readily manually shifted axially by the operator. By shifting rod 24 the lever 23 is caused to shift the valve piston I'Ih to the desired operating position, and by the above arrangement When rod 24 is shifted in one direction, i. e. to the right, the bed 4 is caused to move to the left, and when the rod is shifted to the left, the bed is caused to move to the right; this arrangement permitting the use of automatic stops for shifting the valve to neutral position by the bed 4 when the latter has reached the end of its outward travel in either direction.

The automatic stops comprise collars 26 adjustably mounted on the rod 24 adjacent the ends of the bed when same has reached its outward limits of movement. Collars 26 are adapted to be respectively engaged by lugs 4m attached to the ends of bed 4, said collars being so adjusted that at any desired point of travel of the bed the lug 4m at the leading end of the bed will engage its related collar 26 and cause the shifting of rod 26 to bring valve Hh. to neutral position and hence cause the closing of the valve, thereby stopping the bed. The adjustable collars 26 provide for the stopping of the bed 4 at various points of travel. For full length travel of the bed stops are not required since the bed will automatically stop at the end of its full travel when the hydraulic chambers 4r, 41 have reached the limits of their strokes. Thus while the bed is stopped automatically when it reaches the ends of its strokes in either direction, the bed must be started by shifting the manually controlled levers 25 at the ends of the machine.

In operation, the bed 4 is moved to one end of the frame by shifting hand lever 25, and a type form from which a matrix is to be made is placed upon the bed. A piece of prepared paper pulp called in the trade fiong is then placed upon the type form, then a blanket is placed on top of the flong, and the bed is started by shifting the manually operated handle 25 in the opposite direction, and the bed is moved between the rolls 5 6 to the other end of the machine where it is stopped automatically as hereinbefore described. The blanket is then removed and the pressed flong (which after this operation is a matrix, having the printing surfaces pressed into it) is removed, and after it is dried, same is used in the stereotype plate casting box. The bed is returned to first position at the convenience of the operator.

Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, a modication is shown in which the uid cylinder drive in the bed is omitted, and a quadrant drive substituted in place thereof. In this modification the quadrant 30 has a bearing 30a keyed on a shaft 3l journaled in bracket la: in frame I said quadrant having gear teeth meshing directly with one of the gears 5d on the shaft of roller 5. A double acting hydraulic cylinder 32 is pivoted as at 32a on the frame l and has a piston rod 33 connected with a rocker arm 3Ia keyed to the quadrant shaft 3|, so that the quadrant will be actuated by the piston rod 33. If desired the rod 33 might be connected directly to the quadrant 30 itself. Any movement of the cylinder piston 33 is transmitted to the quadrant and, in turn, to the bed 4 through the gears 5d of roller 5 which mesh with the racks 4d on the underside of the bed, giving the bed the desired reciprocating motion. The fluid cylinder 32 is controlled by the same valve means Il and fluid circuit described with respect to Figs. 1-'7 inclus1ve.

The novel features of our machine are the means for driving the bed 4 by hydraulic pressure within the cylinders 4a in the bed 4, or

the cylinder 32 coacting with the quadrant gear 3U; the construction of the framing so as to confine all moving parts inside the same; the construction of the framing to allow insertion and removal of important parts without dismantling the machine or framing; and the construction of the mechanism for adjusting the top roll.

We claim:-

1. In a mat roller, a reciprocable bed having a fluid cylinder, a stationary piston in the cylinder, and means for admitting fluid under pressure into the cylinder at one side of the piston and simultaneously withdrawing fluid from the cylinder at the opposite side of the piston.

2. In a mat roller, a reciprocable bed having a cylinder, a stationary piston in the cylinder, means for admitting iluid under pressure into the cylinder at one side of the piston and simultaneously withdrawing fluid from the cylinder at the opposite side of the piston, and a valve controlling the admission and exit of uid to and from the cylinder.

3. In a mat roller, a reciprocable bed having a bore forming a fluid cylinder, a stationary piston in the cylinder, means for admitting fluid under pressure into the cylinder at one side of the piston and simultaneously withdrawing uid from the cylinder at the opposite side of the piston, a valve controlling the admission and eXit of fluid to and from the cylinder, and manually operable means whereby the valve may be shifted to cause the bed to be moved in the desired direction.

4. In a mat roller, a reciprocable bed having a cylinder, a piston in the cylinder, and valve means for supplying uid to the cylinder.

5. In a mat roller, a frame, a reciprocable bed mounted in the frame; a roll supporting the' bed; and means whereby the roll may be removed endwise from position Without dismantling the bed or frame.

6. In a mat roller, side frames, a reciprocating bed, a roll supporting the bed, a bearing in one side frame for one end of the cylinder, the other side of the frame having an opening to permit entry or removal of the roll therethrough, and a removable plate closing said opening and having a bearing for the other end of the roll.

7. In a mat roller as set forth in claim 6, means in said plate for permitting access to the latter bearing.

8. In a mat roller; side frames, a reciprocable bed mounted between the side frames; a roll below the bed; a roll above the bed and adapted to cooperate with the bed in pressing mats; hydraulic means for reciprocating the bed; and gearing for rotating the rolls synchronously with the bed.

9. In a mat roller as set forth in claim 8; means for permitting removal of the lower roll without dismantling the side frames and bed.

10. In combination with a mat roller as set forth in claim 8, a bearing in one side frame for one end of the lower roll; the other side frame having an opening of size to permit insertion or removal of the roll therethrough; and a removable plate closing said opening having a bearing for the adjacent end of the roll.

11. In a mat roller; side frames, a reciprocable bed mounted between the side frames; a roll below the bed; a roll above the bed disposed opposite the rst roll and adapted to cooperate with the bed in pressing mats; means for reciprocating the bed, and gearing for rotating the rolls.

l2. In a mat roller as set forth in claim 11, a bearing in one side frame for one end of the roll;

the other side frame having an opening of size to permit removal of the roll therethrough; a removable plate closing said opening having a bearing for the adjacent end of the roll; and means to prevent tipping of the bed.

13. In a mat roller as set forth in claim 11, a rack Von the bed meshing with a gear on the rst roll; intermeshing gears on the rst and second rolls; and uid actuated means for reciprocating the bed.

14. In a mat roller, a bed having a cylinder, rolls above and below the bed, racks on the bed meshing with gears on the lower roll; intermeshing gears on the rolls; a stationary piston in the cylinder; means for admitting fluid under pressure into the cylinder at one side of the piston and simultaneously withdrawing fluid from the cylinder at the opposite side of the piston; a valve controlling the admission and exit of uid to and from the cylinder; and manually operable means for shifting the valve. v

15. In a mat roller, a bed having a cylinder, rolls above and belowv the bed, racks on the bed meshing with gears on the lower roll; intermeshing gears on the rolls, a stationary piston in the cylinder; means for admitting fluid under pressure into the cylinder at one side of thepiston and simultaneously withdrawing fluid from the cylinder at the opposite side of the piston; a valve controlling the admission and exit of uid to and rom the cylinder; manually operable means for shifting the valve; and means for automatically returning the valve to normal position at the end of each stroke of the bed.

16. In a mat roller having a bed and cooperating rolls, racks on the bed meshing with gears on the lower roll; intermeshing gears on the rolls;

a double acting iiuid cylinder having a piston; a member operated by the piston and meshing with a gear on the first roll, and valve controlled means for admitting fluid to the cylinder.

17. In a mat roller; side frames; a reciprocable bed; a roll supporting the bed; means for preventing tipping of the bed; a second roll above the bed; a rack on the bed meshing with a gear on the first roll; intermeshing gears on the rolls; a double acting fluid cylinder having a piston; means for operating the bed actuated by the piston; and valve means for admitting iiuid into the cylinder.

18. In combination with a mat roller as set forth in claim 17, manually operable means for shifting the valve; and means for automatically returning the valve to neutral position at the end of each stroke of the bed.

19. In a mat roller, a frame; a reciprocable bed mounted in the frame; a roll in the frame disposed above the bed adapted to cooperate with the bed in pressing mats; means for adjusting the roll to and from the bed; and means for reciprocating the bed and for synchronously rotating the roll; said adjusting means and reciprocating means being enclosed within the frame.

20. In a mat roller, a frame; a reciprocable bed mounted in the frame; a bed supporting roll below the bed; a second roll above the bed adapted to cooperate with the bed in pressing mats; means for adjusting the second roll to and from the bed; and means for reciprocating the bed and for synchronously rotating the lower and upper rolls; said adjusting means and reciprocating means being enclosed within the frame.

THOMAS H. MARS. HERBERT C. BEHRENS. 

